Dog & Cat Wellness Exams in Yorktown, VA: Building a Healthier Future for Your Best Friend

A wellness exam is more than a quick checkup. Instead, it’s the foundation of lifelong health for your dog or cat. At Magruder Tabb Animal Clinic, our team uses these visits to do far more than look for problems. We get to know your pet’s quirks, monitor changes over time, and give you the tools to keep them thriving through every stage of life. Whether it’s preventive care, lifestyle guidance, or advanced services when needed, we’re here to be your partner in keeping your four-legged family member happy and healthy.

Lifelong Care: How Often Should Pets See the Vet?

As pets grow and age, their healthcare needs evolve, making regular wellness exams essential for catching subtle changes early and supporting a long, comfortable life. Puppies and kittens need multiple visits in their first months for vaccines, deworming, and growth checks, while adult pets generally do best with yearly exams to maintain vaccinations, parasite prevention, and overall health.

Senior pets benefit from more frequent visits—typically every six months—because age-related conditions can appear quickly. Routine screenings at these appointments help identify issues like arthritis, kidney disease, or thyroid problems sooner, when treatment and management are most effective.

What to Expect at a Pet Wellness Exam in Yorktown, VA

Nose-to-Tail Exams

We carefully evaluate your pet’s weight, heart, lungs, skin, eyes, ears, and joints to make sure everything is functioning as it should. These physical checks are often where small but important changes are first spotted.

Vaccinations with a Personalized Plan

No two pets are alike, which is why we tailor vaccine schedules to fit your pet’s lifestyle. Whether your dog is a homebody or your cat welcomes stray kittens under their wing, we’ll provide the right level of protection without unnecessary extras.

Parasite Prevention
That Works

Fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites are a year-round risk in Virginia. We’ll recommend preventives that fit your pet’s habits and help protect your whole household.

Microchipping for
Peace of Mind

Microchipping is a quick, nearly painless procedure that gives your pet permanent identification. If your dog or cat ever gets lost, a microchip greatly increases the chances of a safe return.

Health Certificates for Travel

Planning a road trip, flight, or cross-country move? Our Yorktown veterinarian can provide the health certificates and documentation needed to make travel safe and stress-free.

Lifestyle & Nutrition Guidance

Wellness care isn’t just medical; it’s about quality of life. From dietary advice to exercise routines and behavior questions, we’re here to help you fine-tune your pet’s day-to-day well-being.

FAQs

Most adult pets should have a wellness exam once a year, but puppies, kittens, seniors, and pets with ongoing health conditions may need more frequent visits. We’ll recommend a schedule that’s right for your pet.

Yes. Even strictly indoor cats and dogs can be exposed to fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes through open windows, other animals, or pests that hitch a ride indoors. Prevention is always simpler than treatment.

Some vaccines last for several years, while others require annual boosters. Our team will explain exactly what your pet needs to stay protected, without over-vaccinating.

Our team includes a Fear Free Certified veterinarian who specializes in reducing stress during visits. We use gentle handling, calming techniques, and patience to help even the most anxious pets feel safe.

Absolutely. Preventive care is the best way to avoid serious illness, catch problems early, and manage chronic conditions before they impact your pet’s quality of life.

Kind Words from Clients